Susan Wexler Cohen
Before I had ever met Jeanell, she sent us a “cheer” package filled with superhero items for my then-infant son, Elliot. It was about eight years ago, and she heard that Elliot had a rare medical condition through a friend of our family who went into the store she runs with her husband Derrick, which sells lots of cute quirky clothes and kitschy stuff.
Then, on her own, Jeanell sent this package for Elliot, including shirts and little toys, with a kind note. And to get something from a stranger in that very weird time, that very weird place we were in in our lives — my 10-month-old was having brain surgery, and we were in the I.C.U. with him for several weeks — it was just one of those moments that felt so good, like there were people outside of our little bubble who were thinking of us. And that sort of gives you a little boost, it gives you a little strength. And it always stuck with me.